As more people struggle with medical bills, whether or not they have insurance to help them, and as fewer insurers participate in the Affordable Care Act exchanges, one factor that looms large in everyone's mind is how they will pay the bills if they actually do fall ill — or have an accident.

But even more frightening might be the quality of care a person receives at the hospital, once he or she gets there. And while some cities are known for high-quality research and training hospitals, others are known, sadly, for the poor quality of care provided to patients who likely have few options when choosing a health care facility.

With an eye toward identifying problem areas, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed readmission rates, mortality rates, and hospital grades published by hospital-rating organization Leapfrog Group to identify the metropolitan areas with the worst hospitals.